Artisan Stitch: About us
Artisan Stitch provides award-winning Edinburgh sewing classes and creative textile art workshops. It’s run by Jen Skedd, a lifelong sewist (since age 7) and degree-trained textile artist/designer. Jen has a passion for all types of sewing and textile arts. She has over 45 years sewing experience across general dressmaking, tailoring and bridal disciplines and over 25 years in teaching/mentoring roles.
- Artisan Stitch won a Certificate of Excellence in January 2019
- Rated ‘Best sewing classes Edinburgh’ based on customer reviews.
- The UK Enterprise award followed for Best sewing classes 2020.
- Awarded ‘Best Private Sewing Education & Tuition’ by Global Business Insights in 2021
- Best Creative Textile Workshops was awarded for 2022 by Corporate Livewire
- Best Craft Course Provider 2023/24 by Scotland Prestige Awards
- Best Sewing Tuition Provider 2024/25 by Scotland Prestige Awards
- Most Outstanding Sewing Provider 2024/25 by Global Business Insights.
Artisan Stitch is the only course provider in Edinburgh, and one of only two in Scotland, that are recommended by Queen Margaret University for sewing classes and sewing tuition.
“I have classes for adults across all levels of ability and specialise in helping people lose their fear of sewing machines. My most popular class is the Beginners Sewing Course. I also teach Dressmaking and Pattern cutting so you can make your own clothes. My tips and tricks will give you to a professional standard of finish. During school holidays I offer a range of sewing classes for children aged 8 to 15 years along with a parent. Sewing takes many years to learn well so children will need supervision and assistance at home after their classes so it’s imperative that they have an adult who can help with their sewing journey.
However I also want to show that sewing machines are not just for taking up hems and boring stuff like that. So I offer lots of creative workshops such as Free-Motion Embroidery, I have a passion for upcycling fabric so my ‘Rags to Riches’ series of workshop shows you how to make stunning new items from a pile of scraps. Or why not try making your own fabric and papers for your crafts or quilting in the gel printing workshops. I’ve designed these techniques to be easy for anyone to learn so you don’t need to be particularly artistic to be able to create something beautiful. Why not join me on my textile journey…?”
Where is Artisan Stitch?
Convenient located close to central Edinburgh, Artisan Stitch is located in the arts complex St Margaret’s House.
Studio 6.03A
St Margaret’s House
151 London Road
Edinburgh
EH7 6AE
My qualifications are:
HND Stitched Textiles & Fashion – Edinburgh’s Telford College
BA (Hons) Textile Design – Heriot Watt University
After graduation, I worked in knitwear manufacturing for a top- end cashmere producer in the Scottish Borders. Then I spent some time selling my own range of knitted and felted accessories. These sold direct to the public and to around 44 galleries and boutique shops around the UK. My knitwear designs have been bought by high street chains and the Italian fashion house, Valentino.
My embroidery work has been exhibited widely and has sold to private collectors. I was a member of the Embroiderers’ Guild until its affiliated branch network folded in 2022. I am a member of the Quilters’ Guild and its specialist sub-sector the Contemporary Quilt Group, and Contemporary Scotland Textiles.
How to contact Artisan Stitch.
Artisan Stitch is a one-person business. Therefore I’m chief cook and bottlewasher. I receive many enquiries and I’m not always able to respond quickly as I spent most of my time in the studio teaching classes. Before getting in touch, please check the website ‘FAQ’s page as you’ll probably find the answer there.
If you’re looking for information about whether a class is full, when the next date is or what time(s) an event takes place, all information is shown on the website along with a full description of each class. If there are places available. you’ll see a ‘BOOK NOW’ button. If the event is fully-booked it will say, and you may be able to put your name on a waiting list.
There is also lots of information on the Frequently Asked Questions. This covers information about bringing sewing machines, travel, parking, and how to access the building. The answer to your question is probably there. If you want to confirm the dates and/or times of your class(es), please check your automatic booking confirmation e-mail as these details are on there. You can save this e-mail and add the event to your phone’s calendar. You can also check the website as the events are shown up until the date has expired.
If you’d like to hear about us so I can let you know about upcoming events, then please sign up for my newsletter. You just complete your name and e-mail address in the box shown on the bottom of every page on the website. I also publicise every event on my Facebook page so please follow me there and switch on your notifications so you don’t miss out. It helps if you comment on my posts occasionally so Facebook knows you’re interested in Artisan Stitch.
Otherwise, if you have any other questions, comments or you would like to keep in touch, just drop us a line. My preferred contact method is e-mail: jen@artisanstitch.co.uk. Please be aware that I spend a lot on my time teaching in the studio therefore I may not be able to respond to enquiries for a couple of days. Likewise if you call and I don’t answer, please leave a voicemail and I’ll call you back when I’m free.
If you like any of the free stuff that I do, such as my sewing machine reviews, tips on tension etc, and the tutorial videos on my You-Tube channel, then please help me to continue to support the sewing community and buy me a coffee.
